The Taiwan Administrative Yuan has finally agreed the wording of its gay marriage bill. Instead of amending the existing law, a new law will be introduced before May 27 as mandated 2 years ago by the Constitutional Court. It will not give gay men and women exactly the same rights as heterosexual couples, but these are expected to come later. Religious groups and ultra-conservatives have said they will fight the law, but given the Constitutional Court ruling, these will be mere token hiccups.

As Taiwan is soon to become the first Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, businesses providing wedding-related services have begun developing packages for same-sex couples.

A final version of the Executive Yuan’s “enforcement act of Judicial Yuan Interpretation No. 748” is expected to go into effect on May 24 if passed by the Legislative Yuan.

The act’s passage would greatly expand the market for businesses that cater to marrying couples.

The annual contribution to GDP made by members of the LGBTQ community has been estimated at US$4.6 trillion.

Airlines are one of the major sectors eyeing this massive “pink economy,” and many have started creating honeymoon packages that appeal to same-sex couples.

Australia’s Qantas Airways has gained a reputation as being diverse and friendly toward the LGBTQ community after it publicly expressed its support for same-sex marriage, and the US’ Delta Air Lines has travel packages aimed at the community.

Air Canada, which resumed direct flights to Taiwan two years ago, has also publicly expressed its support for same-sex marriage and has participated in Taiwan’s pride parade.

Air Canada Taiwan country manager Sophia Chen (陳美至) said that the company might offer its own honeymoon packages for same-sex couples.

Air Canada has established a section on its Web site for travelers in same-sex relationships, and has publicly stated that the company’s position is that all races, sexual orientations and religions are equal.